Former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has claimed that Lionel Messi has now returned to his best form.

The attacker struggled to produce his best football in the early part of the campaign, but since the turn of the year, the Argentine has netted 15 goals in 10 league appearances.

Martino enjoyed a close relationship with Messi at Camp Nou last season, and the now Argentina boss has lavished praise on his fellow countryman.

"Messi's start to 2015 has been unrivalled," Martino told TyC Sports. "His efficiency in front of goal and the amount of goals he has scored cannot be bettered. He is back to his best again."

Martino took charge of Argentina after last summer's World Cup.